For Immediate Release:
March 13, 2009
CONTACT: Eduardo Martinez
916-319-2044


Duarte Councilwoman Lois Gaston Named Woman of the Year
Commitment to public service and leading through collaboration are reasons cited for award
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today Assemblymember Anthony J. Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) named Duarte City Councilmember Lois Gaston the 44th Assembly District Woman of the Year. A former Mayor and soon-to-be President of the Contract Cities Association, Portantino praised Gaston for her unwavering commitment to public service and her unique leadership style emphasizing collaboration in problem solving.

“It gives me great pleasure to nominate an exemplary public servant,” said Portantino. “Lois Gaston has never stopped asking what she can do for her community, as her record in public service and volunteerism clearly demonstrates. She has lead the Duarte City Council with a positive, collaborative team spirit that solicits input from many of Duarte’s 22,000 residents, local business owners and community partners on how to move the City forward. I look forward to continue working with Councilmember Gaston on the important issues facing our shared constituents,” Portantino concluded.

“I’m deeply honored to be receiving this award on behalf of the 44th Assembly District,” said Gaston. “This recognition is especially meaningful coming from a strong leader and a close personal friend, Anthony Portantino.”

Gaston, currently serving her second term on the Duarte City Council, was first elected in 2003, and is the first African American female to hold the position of Mayor in the city’s 50-year history. She also served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2005-2006, and will soon be installed as the President of the California Contract Cities Association, a collection of 67 California cities that contract with another public agency or private company for governmental services. In her capacity on the City Council, she has also served as either the Council delegate or alternate for other organizations including the Gold Line Phase II JPA, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the Southern California Association of Governments.

Councilmember Gaston will be recognized during a special session of the State Assembly on March 16th. The event will be followed by a reception for Women of the Year Honorees, hosted by the Legislative Women’s Caucus and Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi.